A bug-beating diode

摘要

A diode that emits light at a shorter wavelength than ever before shows huge — albeit destructive — technological promise. But further work is needed to ensure that this promise is fulfilled. Earth's ozone layer completely blocks solar light of very low ultraviolet wavelengths. Biological organisms on Earth have therefore never developed a tolerance for this 'UVC' radiation, and artificially generated UVC light has become a useful tool in the treatment and destruction of bacteria, yeast, viruses and fungi.